US10159491B2 - Endoscopic reposable surgical clip applier - Google Patents

Abstract

A surgical clip applier is provided and includes a handle assembly and an endoscopic assembly selectively connectable to a housing of the handle assembly. The handle assembly includes a housing, a trigger pivotally supported on and extending from the housing, and a drive assembly supported within the housing and operatively actuatable by the trigger. The endoscopic assembly includes a shaft assembly extending from the housing, the shaft assembly including an outer tube and a pair of jaws supported in and extending from a distal end of the outer tube.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/130,724 filed Mar. 10, 2015, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to surgical clip appliers. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to endoscopic reposable surgical clip appliers having a reusable handle assembly, a reusable shaft assembly, and a disposable clip cartridge assembly.

Description of Related Art

Endoscopic staplers and clip appliers are known in the art and are used for a number of distinct and useful surgical procedures. In the case of a laparoscopic surgical procedure, access to the interior of an abdomen is achieved through narrow tubes or cannulas inserted through a small entrance incision in the skin. Minimally invasive procedures performed elsewhere in the body are often generally referred to as endoscopic procedures. Typically, a tube or cannula device is extended into the patient's body through the entrance incision to provide an access port. The port allows the surgeon to insert a number of different surgical instruments therethrough using a trocar and for performing surgical procedures far removed from the incision.

During a majority of these procedures, the surgeon must often terminate the flow of blood or another fluid through one or more vessels. The surgeon will often apply a surgical clip to a blood vessel or another duct to prevent the flow of body fluids therethrough during the procedure. An endoscopic clip applier is known in the art for applying a single clip during an entry to the body cavity. Such clips are typically fabricated from a biocompatible material and are usually compressed over a vessel. Once applied to the vessel, the compressed clip terminates the flow of fluid therethrough.

Endoscopic clip appliers that are able to apply multiple clips in endoscopic or laparoscopic procedures during a single entry into the body cavity are described in commonly-assigned U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,084,057 and 5,100,420 to Green et al., which are both incorporated by reference in their entirety. Another multiple endoscopic clip applier is disclosed in commonly-assigned U.S. Pat. No. 5,607,436 by Pratt et al., the contents of which is also hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. These devices are typically, though not necessarily, used during a single surgical procedure. U.S. Pat. No. 5,695,502 to Pier et al., the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein, discloses a resterilizable surgical clip applier. The clip applier advances and forms multiple clips during a single insertion into the body cavity. This resterilizable clip applier is configured to receive and cooperate with an interchangeable clip magazine so as to advance and form multiple clips during a single entry into a body cavity.

During endoscopic or laparoscopic procedures it may be desirable and/or necessary to use different size surgical clips depending on the underlying tissue or vessels to be ligated. In order to reduce overall costs of a surgical clip applier, it is desirable for a single surgical clip applier to be loadable with and capable of firing different size surgical clips as needed.

Accordingly, a need exists for endoscopic surgical clip appliers that include reusable handle assemblies, reusable shaft assemblies, and disposable clip cartridge assemblies, with each clip cartridge assembly being loaded with a particularly sized clip (e.g., small, medium, or large).

SUMMARY

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a surgical clip applier is provided and includes a handle assembly and an endoscopic assembly selectively connectable to a housing of the handle assembly. The handle assembly includes a housing; a trigger pivotally supported on and extending from the housing; and a drive assembly supported within the housing and operatively actuatable by the trigger. The drive assembly includes at least one linkage connected to the trigger, the at least one linkage slidably supported in the housing; a guide block slidably supported in the housing, the guide block operatively connected to the trigger; a clip pusher bar slidably supported in the guide block, the clip pusher bar including a flange at a proximal end thereof; a toggle supported in the housing and located distal of the flange of the clip pusher bar, the toggle actuatable between a first position and a second position, wherein the toggle is configured to limit the distal translation of the clip pusher bar when the toggle is in the first position; and a push rod supported in the housing, the push rod engageable by the at least one linkage to actuate the toggle between the first position and the second position. The endoscopic assembly includes a shaft assembly extending from the housing, the shaft assembly including an outer tube; and a pair of jaws supported in and extending from a distal end of the outer tube, wherein when the toggle of the handle assembly in the second position, the pair of jaws are free to form a surgical clip on tissue.

The at least one linkage may include a first end and a second end, the first end of the linkage being pivotably connected to the trigger and the second end of the linkage being pivotably connected to the guide block such that actuation of the trigger translates the guide block proximally.

The first end of the at least one linkage and the trigger may be slidably coupled to a slot defined in the housing such that upon actuation of the trigger, the first end of the at least one linkage rides along the slot.

In use, as the first end of the at least one linkage rides along the slot, the at least one linkage may exert a force on the push rod such that the push rod translates proximally to exert a force on the toggle to actuate the toggle from the first position to the second position.

The toggle may be spring loaded and may include a bias such that the toggle abuts the flange in the first position.

In use, in the second position, there may be a clearance between the toggle and the flange such that the clip pusher bar is able to translate distally to locate the flange distal to the toggle.

The drive assembly may further include a biasing member acting on the clip pusher bar to urge the clip pusher bar in a distal direction.

In use, a force exerted by the bias of the toggle may be greater than a force exerted by the biasing member acting on the clip pusher bar such that the biasing member is unable to push the flange past the toggle when the toggle is in the first position.

The drive assembly may further include a trigger return spring acting on the trigger to urge the trigger to an unactuated position.

In use, in the second position, the biasing member may act on the clip pusher bar to urge the clip pusher bar distally until the flange thereof abuts the guide block.

In use, when the trigger is actuated, the at least one linkage may simultaneously engage the push rod and the guide block such that the toggle is in the second position and the guide block drives the abutting flange proximally past the toggle.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a surgical clip applier is provided and includes a handle assembly and an endoscopic assembly selectively connectable to a housing of the handle assembly. The handle assembly includes a housing; a trigger pivotally supported on and extending from the housing; and a drive assembly supported within the housing and operatively actuatable by the trigger. The drive assembly includes a distal linkage slidably supported in the housing, the distal linkage including a first end and a second end, the second end of the distal linkage connected to the trigger; a proximal linkage slidably supported in the housing, the proximal linkage including a first end and a second end, the first end of the proximal linkage connected to the trigger; a jaw pusher slidably supported in the housing, the jaw pusher operatively connected to the trigger; a guide block slidably supported in the housing, the guide block operatively connected to the trigger; a clip pusher bar slidably supported in the guide block, the clip pusher bar including a flange at a proximal end thereof; a toggle supported in the housing and located distal of the flange of the clip pusher bar, the toggle actuatable between a first position and a second position, wherein the toggle is configured to limit the distal translation of the clip pusher bar when the toggle is in the first position; and a push rod supported in the housing, the push rod engageable by at least one of the proximal linkage and the distal linkage to actuate the toggle between the first position and the second position.

The endoscopic assembly includes a shaft assembly extending from the housing, the shaft assembly including an outer tube; and a pair of jaws supported in and extending from a distal end of the outer tube, wherein when the toggle of the handle assembly in the second position, the pair of jaws are free to form a surgical clip on tissue.

In some embodiments, the distal linkage, the proximal linkage, and the trigger are slidably coupled to a slot defined in the housing such that upon actuation of the trigger, the distal linkage, the proximal linkage, and the trigger ride along a channel defined within the slot.

In use, actuation of the trigger may translate the jaw pusher distally and translates the guide block proximally.

In use, as the proximal linkage rides along the slot, the proximal linkage may exert a force on the push rod such that the push rod translates proximally to exert a force on the toggle to actuate the toggle from the first position to the second position.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a drive mechanism for a surgical clip applier is provided and includes a clip pusher bar and a toggle. The clip pusher bar includes a flange at a proximal end thereof and is configured for distal translation to advance a surgical clip.

In some embodiments, the drive mechanism further includes a linkage and a push rod engageable by the linkage to actuate the toggle between the first position and the second position.

The drive mechanism may further include a housing. The clip pusher bar, toggle, linkage, and push rod may all be positioned within the housing.

The drive mechanism may further include a trigger pivotally supported on and extending from the housing, and with the linkage connected to the trigger.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A particular embodiment of a surgical clip applier is disclosed herein with reference to the drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a reposable endoscopic surgical clip applier, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of the indicated area of detail ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a side, elevational view of a handle assembly of the surgical clip applier ofFIG. 1, with a housing half-section removed therefrom;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged, perspective view of a drive assembly of the handle assembly ofFIG. 3;

FIGS. 5A-5E are schematic elevational views of the drive assembly illustrated inFIGS. 3 and 4, illustrating an actuation of a trigger of the surgical clip applier;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the clip cartridge tray of the surgical clip applier illustrating the plurality of surgical clips loaded therein; and

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a surgical clip formed on a vessel.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of reposable endoscopic surgical clip appliers, in accordance with the present disclosure, will now be described in detail with reference to the drawing figures wherein like reference numerals identify similar or identical structural elements. As shown in the drawings and described throughout the following description, as is traditional when referring to relative positioning on a surgical instrument, the term “proximal” refers to the end of the apparatus which is closer to the user and the term “distal” refers to the end of the apparatus which is further away from the user.

Referring now toFIGS. 1-6, an endoscopic surgical clip applier in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure is generally designated as10.Surgical clip applier10 generally includes ahandle assembly100, anendoscopic assembly200 including ashaft assembly210 extending distally fromhandle assembly100; and at least one surgicalclip cartridge assembly300 selectively loadable intoshaft assembly210 ofendoscopic assembly200. In embodiments, it is contemplated thatshaft210 may be integrally formed withhandle assembly100. In alternative embodiments, it is contemplated thatshaft210 may be selectively connectable to handleassembly100.

Briefly,shaft assembly210 ofendoscopic assembly200 may have various outer diameters such as, for example, about 5 mm or about 10 mm, depending on intended use. Further,shaft assembly210 may have various relatively elongated or shortened lengths depending on intended use, such as, for example, in bariatric surgery. In one embodiment, in bariatric surgery,shaft assembly210 may have a length of between about 30 cm and about 40 cm. However one skilled in the art should appreciate thatshaft assembly210 may have any suitable length and the present disclosure is not limited to any of the above identified lengths.

In accordance with the present disclosure, each surgicalclip cartridge assembly300 may be loaded with a plurality of surgical clips “C” (seeFIG. 6). The plurality of surgical clips “C” may be particularly sized (e.g., small surgical clips, medium surgical clips, or large surgical clips). Each surgicalclip cartridge assembly300 is configured to be selectively loaded intoshaft assembly210 ofendoscopic assembly200, and to be actuated byhandle assembly100 to fire and form the plurality of surgical clips “C” loaded therein onto underlying tissue and/or vessels “V” (seeFIG. 7).

Referring now toFIGS. 1 and 3, handleassembly100 ofsurgical clip applier10 is shown.Handle assembly100 includes ahousing102 having a first or right side half-section102aand a second or left side half-section102b.Handle assembly100 includes atrigger104 pivotably supported between right side half-section102aand left side half-section102bofhousing102.Trigger104 is biased by atrigger return spring104a(e.g., a spring) to an unactuated condition.

Housing102 ofhandle assembly100 may be formed of a suitable plastic or thermoplastic material.Handle assembly100 includes aremovable cover106 or the like which provides access to adrive assembly120 ofclip applier10.Housing102 ofhandle assembly100 further includes, as seen inFIG. 3, anose102cdefining anannular flange102d.

Handle assembly100 includes adrive assembly120 operatively connected to trigger104. Specifically,drive assembly120 includes aproximal linkage122, and adistal linkage124. Though it is not shown in the figures, it is contemplated that in some embodiments, there may be a pair ofproximal linkages122 and a pair ofdistal linkages124.Proximal linkage122 includes adistal coupling portion122apivotally connected to trigger104, and aproximal coupling portion122bpivotally connected to aguide block130. As shown inFIG. 4,guide block130 defines alongitudinally extending passage130atherethrough.

Distal linkage124 includes adistal coupling portion124apivotally connected to ajaw pusher146, and aproximal coupling portion124bpivotally connected to trigger104. Apin126 pivotally connectsproximal linkage122 anddistal linkage124 to trigger104.Pin126 is also slidably disposed within opposed arcuate channels orslots102cformed in opposed handle half-sections102a,102b. In this manner, astrigger104 is actuated, pin126 rides along opposedarcuate channels102c(seeFIGS. 3-5E), and causes opposedproximal coupling portion122bofproximal linkage122 anddistal coupling portion124aofdistal linkage124 to separate from one another.

Drive assembly120 further includes apush rod132 having adistal end132aand aproximal end132band supported within apush rod channel132cdefined inhousing102. Pushrod132 is configured to translate longitudinally withinpush rod channel132cand engage atoggle134.Toggle134 is spring loaded with a bias for clockwise rotation (or rotation in a first direction) about apivot point134a. As will be discussed in further detail below, astrigger104 is actuated,proximal linkage122 exerts a force onpush rod132 drivingpush rod132 in a proximal direction. Pushrod132 in turn exerts a force ontoggle134 causingtoggle134 to rotate counter-clockwise (e.g., in a second direction opposite the first direction) aboutpivot point134a. As shown inFIGS. 3-5E, pushrod132 includes a length “A.” It is contemplated that length “A” ofpush rod132 is configured to control the distance that pushrod132 has to travel prior to engagingtoggle134 and may be chosen accordingly.

With continued reference toFIGS. 3-5E,drive assembly120 includes aclip pusher bar140 slidably supported within and throughhousing102 ofhandle assembly100.Clip pusher bar140 includes aflange142asupported on aproximal end140athereof, and a clip pusher coupling tip (not shown) formed at adistal end140bthereof.Flange142ahas a diameter “D” such thatflange142aabuts toggle134 in the starting position. Accordingly, distal translation ofclip pusher bar140 is prevented bytoggle134 whentoggle134 is in the starting position shown inFIG. 3.Clip pusher bar140 is dimensioned such that whentrigger104 is actuated, clip pusher coupling tip projects fromnose102cofhousing102 ofhandle assembly100.

A biasing member144 (e.g., a compression spring) is interposed betweenhousing102 ofhandle assembly100 andflange142aofclip pusher bar140.Biasing member144 acts onclip pusher bar140 to bias or urgeclip pusher bar140 in a distal direction. It is contemplated that the clockwise spring bias oftoggle134 produces a greater force than the distal spring bias of biasingmember144. Accordingly,clip pusher bar140 is unable to translate distally pasttoggle134 whentrigger104 is not actuated.

Drive assembly120 further includes ajaw pusher146 slidably supported withinhousing102 ofhandle assembly100.Jaw pusher146 includes aproximal end146apivotally connected todistal coupling portion124aofdistal linkage124, and a jawpusher coupling tip146cformed at adistal end146bthereof.Jaw pusher146 defines alumen146dtherethrough for receipt of and slidable passage ofclip pusher bar140 therein.Jaw pusher146 is dimensioned such that jawpusher coupling tip146cthereof projects fromnose102cofhousing102 ofhandle assembly100.

With continued reference toFIGS. 1-4, and with additional specific reference toFIGS. 5A-7, a firing stroke ofsurgical clip applier10 is shown and described below. With surgicalclip cartridge assembly300 loaded inendoscopic assembly200, astrigger104 ofhandle assembly100 is actuated to a fully actuated position, a distal-most clip “C1” of the plurality of surgical clips “C” is loaded into and formed by a pair of jaws214 ofendoscopic assembly200.

In particular,FIG. 5A illustratesdrive assembly120 prior to actuation oftrigger104 andFIGS. 5B-5E details the incremental actuation ofdrive assembly120 assurgical clip applier10 is fired. Astrigger104 is actuated in the direction of arrow “E (seeFIG. 3),”trigger104 acts onproximal linkage122 to moveproximal coupling portion122bofproximal linkage122 in a proximal direction (as indicated by arrow “F” ofFIG. 3), and acts ondistal linkage124 to movedistal coupling portion124aofdistal linkage124 in a distal direction (as indicated by arrow “G” ofFIG. 3). Further,distal coupling portion122aofproximal linkage122 andproximal coupling portion124bofdistal linkage124 are moved along opposedarcuate channels102cin the direction indicated by arrow “H.”

Asproximal coupling portion122bis moved in the direction of arrow “F,”proximal linkage122 engagesdistal end132aofpush rod132. In turn,push rod132 translates alongpush rod channel132cto exert a rotation force ontoggle134 in a counter-clock wise (e.g., second) direction. As shown inFIG. 5B, the counter-clock wise rotation oftoggle134 creates a clearance “I” which is sufficient forflange142atoclear toggle134 thereby allowing biasingmember144 to expand and driveclip pusher bar140 distally untilflange142aofclip pusher bar140 abuts againstguide block130.

Asclip pusher bar140 ofhandle assembly100 is moved in a distal direction,clip pusher bar140 engagesendoscopic assembly200, which in turn, acts oncartridge assembly300 to load the distal-most surgical clip “C1” into the pair of jaws214.

Onceflange142aofclip pusher bar140 is abuttingguide block130 and astrigger104 is actuated further in the direction given by arrow “E,”proximal linkage122 continues to moveguide block130 in a proximal direction, and guide block130 acts onflange142aofclip pusher bar140 to urgeclip pusher bar140 in a proximal direction. Simultaneously, as shown inFIG. 5C,proximal linkage122 maintains contact withdistal end132aofpush rod132 such thatpush rod132 maintains contact withtoggle134. This in turn maintains clearance “I” betweentoggle134 andflange142asuch thatguide block130 is able to urgeclip pusher bar140 proximally untilflange142aclears toggle134 (seeFIG. 5D) and is located proximal to toggle134.

Asclip pusher bar140 is moved in a proximal direction,clip pusher bar140 engagesendoscopic assembly200, which in turn engages surgicalclip cartridge assembly300 to urge the remaining plurality of surgical clips “C” in a proximal direction. Surgicalclip cartridge assembly300 proximally retracts the remaining plurality of surgical clips “C” until each remaining clip of the plurality of surgical clips “C” is retracted.

As mentioned above, the actuation oftrigger104 in the direction of arrow “E,” also acts ondistal linkage124 to movedistal coupling portion124aofdistal linkage124 in a distal direction (as indicated by arrow “G” ofFIG. 3). Asdistal coupling portion124aofdistal linkage124 is moved in a distal direction,distal coupling portion124aurges jaw pusher146 in a distal direction. Withjaw pusher146 connected toendoscopic assembly200, asjaw pusher146 is moved in the distal direction indicated by arrow “G,” the pair of jaws214 approximate to the closed position.

With the distal-most surgical clip “C1” loaded in the pair of jaws214, as the pair of jaws214 approximate to the closed position, distal-most surgical clip “C1” is formed therebetween, for example, on a vessel “V” or the like, as shown inFIG. 7.

With distal-most surgical clip “C1” formed,trigger104 may be released and returned to an unactuated position either by or with the assistance oftrigger return spring104a(seeFIG. 3). Astrigger104 is returned to an unactuated position, trigger104 acts onproximal linkage122 to moveguide block130 in a distal direction, and acts ondistal linkage124 to movejaw pusher146 in a proximal direction.

In particular, as shown inFIG. 5E, whentrigger104 is released,distal coupling portion122aandproximal coupling portion124bmove along opposedarcuate channels102cin the direction indicated by arrow “J.” Simultaneously,proximal coupling portion122bmoves distally in the direction indicated by arrow “L” anddistal coupling portion124amoves proximally in the direction indicated by arrow “M.” Asdistal coupling portion122amoves in the direction indicated by arrow “J” andproximal coupling portion122bmoves in the direction indicated by arrow “L,”proximal linkage122 loses contact withdistal end132aofpush rod132. As a result, the bias oftoggle134 rotatestoggle134 clockwise to returntoggle134 to its starting position and exerts a force onpush rod132 in the direction indicated by “K.” At this stage, clearance “I” betweentoggle134 andflange142ano longer exists. Accordingly,flange142aofclip pusher140 is unable to advance distally pasttoggle134, thereby resettingclip applier10 for another firing.

In use,surgical clip applier10, as mentioned above, is capable of loading different surgicalclip cartridge assemblies300 inendoscopic assembly200. Specifically,endoscopic assembly200 may be loaded with a surgicalclip cartridge assembly300 that is loaded with the plurality of surgical clips “C” having a first size, orendoscopic assembly200 may be loaded with a surgicalclip cartridge assembly300 that is loaded with the plurality of surgical clips “C” having a second size different than the first size.

In this manner, the user or surgeon may load a surgicalclip cartridge assembly300, loaded with a particular size of surgical clips, depending on the particular surgical procedure to be performed. Additionally, during a surgical procedure, if the need arises to use a different sized surgical clip, the user or surgeon may eject or unload the surgicalclip cartridge assembly300 that is loaded inendoscopic assembly200 and then load a new surgical clip cartridge assembly300 (having a different sized plurality of surgical clips loaded therein as compared to the unloaded surgical clip cartridge assembly300) intoendoscopic assembly200.

In accordance with the present disclosure, it is contemplated thatsurgical clip applier10 includes a reusable andsterilizable handle assembly100 that may be used for multiple surgical procedures; a reusable and sterilizableendoscopic assembly200 that may also be used for multiple surgical procedures; and a disposable, single use clip cartridge assembly300 (e.g., wherein theclip cartridge assembly300 is disposed of when unloaded from endoscopic assembly200). It is contemplated thatendoscopic assembly200 may be disposed of following the particular surgical procedure and not reused or sterilized.

Also in accordance with the present disclosure, it is further contemplated that a surgical kit may be provided including asingle handle assembly100, a singleendoscopic assembly200, and a plurality ofclip cartridge assemblies300 including at least a first set of clip cartridge assemblies loaded with a plurality of surgical clips having a first size and a second set of clip cartridge assemblies loaded with a plurality of surgical clips having a second size different than the first size. The kit may include instructions for the assembly orsurgical clip applier10, the use ofsurgical clip applier10, and the processing of surgicalclip applier assembly10 following use.

It should be understood that the foregoing description is only illustrative of the present disclosure. Various alternatives and modifications can be devised by those skilled in the art without departing from the disclosure. Accordingly, the present disclosure is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variances. The embodiments described with reference to the attached drawing figures are presented only to demonstrate certain examples of the disclosure. Other elements, steps, methods and techniques that are insubstantially different from those described above and/or in the appended claims are also intended to be within the scope of the disclosure.

Claims (22)

What is claimed is:

1. A surgical clip applier, comprising:

a handle assembly including:

a housing;

a trigger pivotally supported on and extending from the housing; and

a drive assembly supported within the housing and operatively actuatable by the trigger, the drive assembly including:

at least one linkage connected to the trigger, the at least one linkage slidably supported in the housing;

a guide block slidably supported in the housing, the guide block operatively connected to the trigger;

a clip pusher bar slidably supported in the guide block, the clip pusher bar including a flange at a proximal end thereof and configured for distal translation to advance a surgical clip;

a toggle distal of the flange of the clip pusher bar, the toggle actuatable between a first position and a second position and configured to limit the distal translation of the clip pusher bar when the toggle is in the first position; and

a push rod supported in the housing, the push rod engageable by the at least one linkage to actuate the toggle between the first position and the second position; and

an endoscopic assembly extending distally from the housing of the handle assembly, the endoscopic assembly including:

a shaft assembly extending from the housing, the shaft assembly including an outer tube; and

a pair of jaws supported in and extending from a distal end of the outer tube, wherein when the toggle of the handle assembly is in the second position, the pair of jaws are free to form the surgical clip on tissue.

2. The surgical clip applier according toclaim 1, wherein the at least one linkage includes a first end and a second end, the first end of the linkage being pivotably connected to the trigger and the second end of the linkage being pivotably connected to the guide block such that actuation of the trigger translates the guide block proximally.

3. The surgical clip applier according toclaim 2, wherein the first end of the at least one linkage and the trigger are slidably coupled to a slot defined in the housing such that upon actuation of the trigger, the first end of the at least one linkage rides along the slot.

4. The surgical clip applier according toclaim 3, wherein as the first end of the at least one linkage rides along the slot, the at least one linkage exerts a force on the push rod such that the push rod translates proximally to exert a force on the toggle to actuate the toggle from the first position to the second position.

5. The surgical clip applier according toclaim 1, wherein the toggle is spring loaded and includes a bias such that the toggle abuts the flange in the first position.

6. The surgical clip applier according toclaim 5, wherein the drive assembly further includes a biasing member acting on the clip pusher bar to urge the clip pusher bar in a distal direction.

7. The surgical clip applier according toclaim 6, wherein a force exerted by the bias of the toggle is greater than a force exerted by the biasing member acting on the clip pusher bar such that the biasing member is unable to push the flange past the toggle when the toggle is in the first position.

8. The surgical clip applier according toclaim 7, wherein in the second position, the biasing member acts on the clip pusher bar to urge the clip pusher bar distally until the flange thereof abuts the guide block.

9. The surgical clip applier according toclaim 7, wherein when the trigger is actuated, the at least one linkage simultaneously engages the push rod and the guide block such that the toggle is in the second position and the guide block drives the abutting flange proximally past the toggle.

10. The surgical clip applier according toclaim 1, wherein in the second position, there is a clearance between the toggle and the flange such that the clip pusher bar is able to translate distally to locate the flange distal to the toggle.

11. The surgical clip applier according toclaim 1, wherein the drive assembly further includes a trigger return spring acting on the trigger to urge the trigger to an unactuated position.

12. A surgical clip applier, comprising:

a handle assembly including:

a housing;

a trigger pivotally supported on and extending from the housing; and

a drive assembly supported within the housing and operatively actuatable by the trigger, the drive assembly including:

a distal linkage slidably supported in the housing, the distal linkage including a first end and a second end, the second end of the distal linkage connected to the trigger;

a proximal linkage slidably supported in the housing, the proximal linkage including a first end and a second end, the first end of the proximal linkage connected to the trigger;

a jaw pusher slidably supported in the housing, the jaw pusher operatively connected to the trigger;

a guide block slidably supported in the housing, the guide block operatively connected to the trigger;

a clip pusher bar including a flange at a proximal end thereof and configured for distal translation to advance a surgical clip;

a toggle distal of the flange of the clip pusher bar, the toggle actuatable between a first position and a second position and configured to limit the distal translation of the clip pusher bar when the toggle is in the first position; and

a push rod supported in the housing, the push rod engageable by at least one of the proximal linkage and the distal linkage to actuate the toggle between the first position and the second position; and

an endoscopic assembly extending distally from the housing of the handle assembly, the endoscopic assembly including:

a shaft assembly extending from the housing, the shaft assembly including an outer tube; and

a pair of jaws supported in and extending from a distal end of the outer tube, wherein when the toggle of the handle assembly is in the second position, the pair of jaws are free to form a surgical clip on tissue.

13. The surgical clip applier according toclaim 12, wherein the distal linkage, the proximal linkage, and the trigger are slidably coupled to a slot defined in the housing such that upon actuation of the trigger, the distal linkage, the proximal linkage, and the trigger ride along a channel defined within the slot.

14. The surgical clip applier according toclaim 12, wherein actuation of the trigger translates the jaw pusher distally and translates the guide block proximally.

15. The surgical clip applier according toclaim 12, wherein as the proximal linkage rides along the slot, the proximal linkage exerts a force on the push rod such that the push rod translates proximally to exert a force on the toggle to actuate the toggle from the first position to the second position.

16. The surgical clip applier according toclaim 12, wherein the toggle is spring loaded and includes a bias such that the toggle abuts the flange in the first position.

17. The surgical clip applier according toclaim 16, wherein the drive assembly further includes a biasing member acting on the clip pusher bar to urge the clip pusher bar in a distal direction.

18. The surgical clip applier according toclaim 17, wherein a force exerted by the bias of the toggle is greater than a force exerted by the biasing member acting on the clip pusher bar such that the biasing member is unable to push the flange past the toggle when the toggle is in the first position.

19. The surgical clip applier according toclaim 17, wherein in the second position, the biasing member acts on the clip pusher bar to urge the clip pusher bar distally until the flange thereof abuts the guide block.

20. The surgical clip applier according toclaim 19, wherein when the trigger is actuated, the proximal linkage simultaneously engages the push rod and the guide block such that the toggle is in the second position and the guide block drives the abutting flange proximally past the toggle.

21. The surgical clip applier according toclaim 12, wherein in the second position, there is a clearance between the toggle and the flange such that the clip pusher bar is able to translate distally to locate the flange distal to the toggle.

22. The surgical clip applier according toclaim 12, wherein the drive assembly further includes a trigger return spring acting on the trigger to urge the trigger to an unactuated position.

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